National Trophy reports

London United lost by 1 point at home to Worthing Thunder in the Semi Finals of the National Trophy on Sunday. The game was a see saw affair even though London had a 10 point lead in the 3rd quarter which they then threw away as Thunder came back to lead at 58-59 at the end of the period.

Worthing stole the game as London took the lead with 30 seconds to go at 74-73, however it was Gaylon Moore who went to the foul line and made two free throws to give the South Coast team a 1 point lead with 12 seconds remaining. With Worthing on team fouls and possession back with London it should have been enough to give London the last shot but they failed to execute their play and handed the win to Worthing.

The game finished 74-75 to Thunder who will progress on to the finals to meet Sheffield.

Top scorers for London were Vear and Callender 15, Reid 11 and Mumuni 10 whilst Knox had the game high for Worthing with 21 as Gayle and Moore supported with 17 each.

Sammi Nuriyev stole the show on his return to Manchester as the injury hit Arrows overcome a first leg deficit of 7 points to reach another Semi Final, this time in the National Trophy, defeating the Magic on their home court by 83 – 69.

The Arrows grabbed the initiative in the first quarter, establishing a strong foothold on the game at 26 – 8. The Arrows despite having to cope with injuries and illness to Richards and Davidson and the absence of overseas star Ryan Blankson, were irresistible in their desire to reach another Semi Final, and it was some 4 minutes until the Magic registered a score and then the Arrows led 16 – 2, with Patton, Gayle and Nuriyev all prominent.

The Arrows continued to build on their advantage in the second quarter, leading 34 – 10, Manchester responded with a run at the end of the quarter, but the tenacious Arrows refused to surrender the initiative and reached the interval still ahead at 47 – 34, leading in the tie by 6 points overall.

Scoring became harder after the interval as both teams traded baskets, Manchester cut into the Arrows lead at 49 – 43, however the Arrows , with Patton combining with Nuriyev, managed to increase their advantage to 65 – 49.

The Magic realised for the second successive year their Trophy chances were slipping away at the hands of the Arrows who now led 83 - 62 and they tried to rally but the Arrows greater experience in Todd Cauthorn and Mike Payne allowed them to close out a victory by 83 – 69.

The Arrows will now feature in the Trophy Semi Final for the second successive year. Last year they lost to the Worthing Thunder who went on to take the Trophy. This victory closes out a remarkable run for this family run Club, who have now put together a stunning run of 15 straight victories in all competitions.

The Arrows will join London United, Worcester Wolves and the Worthing Thunder in the Semi Final draw in the New Year, for a place in the Final on February 20^th.

The game opened in front of by far the biggest crowd of the season at the Amaechi Basketball Centre, hoping to see a home win in this Trophy game, to keep them in the festive mood. After probably their worst ever start – only 2 points in the first 6 minutes, the Magic had very little chance of winning against a team who beat them twice in two days in early November. The two points had come from a Ben Eaves slam-dunk, which announced he was going to be his team’s most effective player. Almost at once the Magic woke up and scored 6 quick points, but their run was halted by Samit Nurijev, with 4 points in the last minute. The quarter ended with the Arrows in front by 26-8 and the Magic with a mountain to climb.

In the second quarter, the Magic were well served by some good individual performances. Andrew Lovedale and Ben Eaves worked hard and skilfully under both baskets and Aaron Roberts played his usual clever game for the team. Terrell Ivory was being heavily marked, as usual. Matt Hogarth was as busy as ever, but it was a huge shot-block by Lovedale that had the crowd on its feet. As the Magic ate slowly into the Arrows’ lead, it seemed an upset might just be possible. They ended the half 34-47 down, but in with a shout.

With Todd Cauthorn on the bench and his replacement ineffective, at least in scoring terms, the Magic closed to within 7 points half way through the third quarter. But, for the Magic fans it was a false dawn, as the Arrows drew away again to lead by 16 going into the final period. Throughout the game, it was the Magic’s field shooting that let them down, with their 3 point efforts particularly woeful at 13%, but they just edged the Arrows in rebounds, with Lovedale taking a splendid 13. For the Arrows, Ryan Paten had been outstanding, with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists..

Cauthorn was back for the last quarter, but Hogarth was on the bench nursing an injured hand. The Magic put in a brave late effort, with 6 points in the last minute.

Terrell Ivory had worked hard all game and had his usual strong finish. When Roberts scored right on the buzzer, the home fans were wondering what might have been, but for that wretched start.

Top Scorers. Magic: Ben Eaves: 17 Terrell Ivory: 13 Andrew Lovedale: 11 Aaron Roberts: 10

Despite a scare in the second quarter Thunder were able to eventually overcome staunch resistance from Reading Rockets to ensure their progress into the next stages of the Trophy competition and hopefully to successfully defend their title.

Led by 32 points by forward Steve Parillon Thunder were able to keep main inside threat of 7’ 0” James Cook quiet and despite the presence of American guard EJ Harrison who led all scorers with 34 points they held out for a comprehensive 12 point victory.

After looking comfortable in the early stages of the game and holding a 14-point margin of advantage at 49 – 35 midway through the second period Thunder let it slip, Rockets rallied and a 15 – 0 run including a succession of three pointers from Richard Wellings and Ross Carlton put the visitors ahead. Despite resistance from Thunder’s man of the match and Captain, Gaylon Moore the visitors closed out the period holding a 57 – 55 advantage.

The third period was more evenly balanced although Thunder had the better of the early stages with a series of buckets and free throws to re-establish a 7 point advantage at 74 – 67. Once again Rockets rallied and with key Thunder personnel rested on the bench the visitors clawed back the deficit to trail by just 3 points in the dying seconds. A Steven Gayle turnover with just 12 seconds on the clock proved costly however as Harrison sank a trey on the buzzer to ensure that both teams were level going into the final period of play.

Needing to overturn Thunder’s 22-point advantage accrued from a previous pool game at Rockets to stand any chance of progressing to the next stage; the visitors were soon behind to 2 Parillon buckets. Despite the sterling efforts of big man Errol Seaman and Harrison it was a bridge to far however and a series of Thunder attacking plays resulting in David Butterworth treys were to effectively end the game as a contest. With the level of defensive intensity on both side dropping in the final minutes of play, both teams racked up points into treble figures but it was Thunder who impressed most, upholding their unbeaten group record with a comfortable 115 – 103 victory.

Thunder Scorers: Parillon 32, Knox 20, Gayle 19. Moore 18, Butterworth 11, Brame 9, Ugbana 4, Mead 2.

Reading Scorers: Harrison 34, Seaman 18, Wellings 13, Johnson 12, Cook 9, Carlton 6, Ashwin 4, Kelly 4, Smith 3.

Worthing Thunder v Reading Rockets 115-103

Rockets travelled to the south coast with Ted Smith carrying a knee injury aggravated in training and without the experienced guard Lee McCarthy. 6'10" teenager Rich Clark had to pull out on the day due to flu whilst the other Rockets teenager Jamie Ashwin knew he'd been much played to counter Worthing's triple spearhead attack of Moore, Parillon and Knox.

As defending Trophy holders, and with a lead of 22 points Worthing were clearly the favourites to move into the semi-final stages but Rockets were determined to try and overcome the deficit. Coach Dunning started with Cook, EJ, Seaman, Gardner and Wellings. From the tip Worthing scored but EJ found his shooting range immediately hitting 2 threes in the opening exchanges as the scores were tied 10 - 10. Smith hit his first 3 of the game but Knox, Parillon and Moore worked hard inside to keep Worthing's noses in front throughout the quarter despite Seaman playing well in the point and MJ setting the defence example by taking a charge. Nothing was going in for Cook and Wellings had to be rested after 2 quick personal fouls. Though EJ and Seaman had scored 17 points between them, Rockets still ended the first quarter 8 points adrift at 22- 30.

The start of the second quarter saw much improved defence, a superb steal by Kelly and great hustle by MJ but Gayle rained in 2 threes to open up a 13 point lead. EJ was clearly in outstanding shooting form hitting another 3 and finishing 3 other good Rockets plays. Cook scored his first points of the game to reduce the deficit to 7 points and then proceeded some exceptional outside shooting from both teams matching each other on 5 consecutive offences with 3 point finishes. Wellings was having a purple patch, Ashwin had really stepped up to be influential on both offensive and defensive boards, finishing one of his own rebounds and bringing Rockets to within 2 points of Thunder. Carlton scored with a 3 to edge Rockets ahead and with Kelly hitting his trademark 12' jump shot, EJ sat out the last minute to gain a well earned rest, having contributed 21 points and ensuring Rockets went into the half time break 57 - 55 up, having outscored Thunder 35 - 25 in the quarter and hitting 8 3 point shots - 3 each from EJ and Wellings.

The third quarter opened with a suggestion of a Christmas cake and party atmosphere break with silly mistakes from both teams, travelling offences and poor passing (to the opposition) and ineffective shooting. With Wellings being called for his third foul, MJ came onto court with Rockets behind 63 - 65, scores with a typical drive and takes another charge which seems to spur Rockets into more hustle with Carlton showing a good example. Rockets' defence was tighter and with the unusual sight of MJ taking defensive boards and going coast to coast in one move to score, Rockets were back in an entertaining game and with EJ hitting 3 on the buzzer, the fourth and final quarter would start with the scores tied on 81.

Worthing were first out of the blocks and though MJ drove to the basket for 2 more points, followed by EJ a moment later, Worthing hit 2 big threes, and Knox and Parillon scored inside to open up a 12 point lead with 6 minutes to go. Wellings had 2 quick calls against him so was fouled out and though MJ, Kelly and EJ cut the deficit to 6 points going into the last 2 minutes, Worthing finished the game with 6 unanswered points to win 115 - 103.

Rockets top scorers were EJ 34, Seaman 18, Wellings 15 and Johnson 12 points, but much more effective court contributions from the whole squad.

SOLENT STARS 72 (18, 38, 57)

United stretched their unbeaten run to 4 games with a sound 11 point home victory in the National Trophy against local rivals London Capitals. With the away leg to play, but not until December United's experience and better organisation got them through this potential banana skin.

Santa Ataha started the game with a quick fire 3 pointer, as United's Jacek Jagodka replied with his own "trey" from the corner. United went on a run and led 15-5 as they forced the ball inside to Callender and Reid as Capitals struggled to match Uniteds inside physical presence although United were not finding the basket that easily at times as they missed shots they would normally make.

With a 19-13 1st quarter lead United continued to work the ball into the paint as Callender picked up some easy baskets eventhough Reid struggled to find his usual inside form.

Enter Pete Deppisch and surprisingly he "Air balled " his first long range shot, much to the amusement of the Capitals bench, however it wasn't long until he found his range and nailed the first of 5 three's in the game.

United finished the half up by 2 as Capitals rallied with some hard work on the boards at both ends of the floor and Jiven's and Ataha scoring most of the points.

The 3rd quarter saw baskets trade for much of the first 8 minutes with United maintaining a small lead until surprisingly Capitals captured their first lead of the game with Ibrahim Gariba scoring a put back, however that was short lived as Jagodka and Reid restored normality at the end of the period with United leading 47-45.

It was the 4th quarter that highlighted United experienced players as Mantia Callender took control in the paint with Peter van Elswyk and Junior Williams finding the passing lanes open to Pete Deppisch to drain 3 successive three pointers from the corner. United were 12 up with 3 minutes remaining as Capitals tried in vain to come back, with every foul sending United to the free throw line, as Jagodka hit 3 of his 4 free throws.

United closed the game out winning by 11 having to rest next weekend with a break in fixtures heading for Solent Stars at home on the 14th November.

United scorers: Deppisch 19, Callender 14, Jagodka 12, Van Elswyk 8, Mumuni 8, Reid 6, Williams 5, Vear 3, Saloman 0 and Smith 0.

LEOPARDS bounced back from the previous night's disappointment to run out comfortable winners at the Brentwood Centre, on Sunday.

A large crowd saw Scoop Wicker lead all scoring with 31 points as the Big Cats put a turgid performance against Worthing behind them as they recorded their highest points total of the season.

In the end the margin of victory was not enough to maintain Leopards' interest in the EBL Trophy, though even a 20+ points victory would have left Jon Burnell's team relying on other results going in their favour, but the result should restore some self-belief in the Leopards team.

Wicker opened the scoring for the home team, and although Chunga Adams quickly levelled things, once Hayden Herrin had converted an "and-one" the Big Cats never relinquished their lead.

With American duo Wicker and Herrin scoring freely, Leopards moved into a 15-7 lead midway through the first period, and despite Roger Lloyd picking up two quick fouls shortly after entering the action, a trey from Herrin saw the hosts take a 10 point lead into the first break.

Herrin contributed another five points in the opening stage of the second period, With Alan Prescott also getting on the scoresheet as Leopards stretched their advantage to 34-21.

With Mark Quashie also becoming an offensive threat, the Big Cats continued to build their lead, stretching it to 17 points with three minutes of the half remaining, and although Capitals scored three of the final five points, Leopard reached half-time with a 50-34 lead, and Wicker had already recorded a double-double with 16 points and ten rebounds, while Herrin had chalked up 15 points and Brian Moore had added ten.

The teams shared the points in the opening stages of the second half, but with Wicker adding six straight points for the hosts they opened up a 67-46
lead, and despite Lloyd collecting his third foul shortly before the final break, Leopards ended the third period with a comfortable 75-57 lead.

Lloyd fouled out within 50 seconds of the restart, and the home side started to tire during the final period as Capitals' relentless defence wore them down, and they opened the quarter with a 14-3 run to narrow Leopards' lead to just 78-71.

A pair of Wicker free-throws plus a jump-shot from Quashie steadied the Big Cats, and that seven point margin was as close as Capitals came. Wicker fouled out with 70 seconds remaining, but a controlled performance from Herrin saw him sink four free-throws to complete Leopards' victory.

Santa Ataha top scored for the visitors with 26, backed up by 17 from Milek Jivens, while Sam Salter who had given Leopards a torrid time a fortnight
before scored just two points as the Leopards defence forced to him shoot from long range.
Leopards: S Wicker (31), H Herrin (27), M Quashie (13), B Moore (10), D Scott (4), A Prescott (4), R Lloyd (1), B Gooch, A Coates (DNP), E Pellant (DNP)

SIZE proved to be the key as Leopards' EBL Trophy hopes took a knock with a heavy defeat at Brunel University on Sunday.

With Mark Quashie unavailable and Roger Lloyd lost in North West London until the second half, the Big Cats struggled against the size of the home
side to leave their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals in the balance.

United had added the huge Mantia Callender to their squad since the two sides met at Brentwood a fortnight before, along with Polish shooting guard
Jack Jagodka.

The one bright point for Leopards' coach Jon Burnell was the form of young forward Tom Christie, who with Quashie missing and Lloyd lost, was drafted into the starting line-up for his first game of the season. Christie finished with eight points and nine rebounds, and although he clearly tired during the latter stages after missing pre-season due to injury, he showed that he give Burnell another option defensively.

Scoop Wicker returned to the starting line-up after being ineligible for the National Cup victory against West Herts, and he again led the Big Cats' scoring, picking up 27 points despite spending all of the second half on four fouls.

The depleted Leopards opened strongly, with Hayden Herrin hitting the first four points, and with Christie and skipper Danny Scott also getting on the
scoresheet, they took an early 11-3 lead. A trey from Wicker extended that lead, before United's long range shooting saw them pull themselves back into the game, and they levelled the score at 14 with three minutes of the first period remaining.

A three-point play from Wicker and a Christie free-throw saw the Leopards open a two-point lead, but that proved to be the final time they had the advantage as United closed out the first period with a 9-3 run. Scores from Wicker and Brian Moore kept Leopards within two, but technical foul calls on Herrin and Burnell saw London go on a 12-2 run, led by the impressive Mumuni, to lead 39-27 midway through the second period.

It was always going to be uphill for the Big Cats from then on, and Wicker picked up his fourth foul after a silly foul on former London Leopard Peter Deppisch, who then completed a four point play, and it took a long range buzzer-beater from Herrin to reduce the half-time margin to 20.

Lloyd's arrival strengthened the Big Cats, but it Wicker who opened the second half with something to prove, hitting Leopards first eight point as they opened with a 10-2 run. Lloyd also added seven late points and Herrin chipped in with five, as Leopards cut the deficit to 14 at the final break.

That improvement did not last as Leopards noticeably tired against the depth of United during the fourth period, and they were forced to depend on
long-range shooting as the home side ran out comfortable winners.

Leopards: S Wicker (27). H Herrin (23), B Moore (10), D Scott (8), T Christie (8), R Lloyd (7), M Eames, B Gooch, A Prestcott.

London United played their first home game of the season against Essex and Herts Leopards in the return leg of the Trophy fixture at Brunel University. United lost the first game at Brentwood two weeks ago we know we didn't do ourselves justice on that day.

A large and noisy home crowd cheered the London team from the beginning as they took a first quarter lead of 23-21 as Mumuni led the team with 8 points after new signing Jacek Jagodka hit the first 3 of the game at his first look at the basket. United new that trading baskets was not the way they wanted the game to go and stepped up the defensive intensity forcing turnovers from Leopards as Mantia Callender stepped up to make 10 2nd quarter points and make a number of blocks in the paint. Both Herrin and Wicker, the two Leopards Americans were constant shooting threats although they were matched by Mumuni and Deppisch from the arc. London closed out the half up by 20 at 58-38.

Leopards battled hard at the beginning of the second half as the guards knocked down a couple of long three's however London again tunred on the defensive heat with Junior Williams and Jagodka getting their hands on the ball to give London some easier break points.

Steve Vear looked very impressive with his great court vision finding the big men available under the hoop, and he contributed 12 points to the score. The game closed out with a London win at 109-83 as no fewer than 7 United players made double figures with Mumuni's game high 26, Jagodka 16 and Callender 16.

Team Line up and scorers: Mumuni 26, Jagodka 16, Callender 16, Vear 12, Van Elswyk 10, Williams 10, Deppisch 10, Reid 5, Saloman 3, Hockey 0, Kubacki

25/09/04

PAWS London Capitals 97 (25, 47, 76)
Essex & Herts Leopards 89 (24, 46, 67)

SCOOP Wicker's 29 points were not enough to prevent Leopards slipping to defeat in their second EBL Trophy game of the season.

The home side were led by former Milton Keynes Lions point-guard Santa Ataha who finished with 34 points, as the Leopards guards struggled to overcome a physical full-court press.

The Big Cats started well, with seven points from Wicker and two baskets from Mark Quashie helping them open an 11-8 lead.

With Barry Gooch replacing Brian Moore, and taking over as point-guard, the home side scored 12 unanswered points, before five points from Hayden Herrin and a trey from Gooch helped the Big Cats reduce the arrears to 22-21. Lloyd restored the visitors' lead following a Gooch assist, before former Brighton Bear Sammy Salter drained a three to send his side into the break with a one point lead.

The second period saw the lead repeatedly change as Leopards' scoring was shared between their starting five and Lloyd, while Ataha continued to dominate for the hosts as he took his personal tally to 16 and helped his side retain their single point lead at half-time, going into the locker room with a 47-46 lead.

Back-to-back threes from Herrin and Gooch saw Leopards take a 52-51 lead two minutes into the second half, but a series of poor calls saw coach Jon Burnell pick up a technical foul as a 16-4 run saw Capitals open up a 14 point with three minutes remaining in the third period. An intentional foul on Lloyd finally saw the game swing back in Leopards' favour, with the veteran forward forced to leave the action, and Herrin sunk the resulting free-throws, as the Big Cats went into the final break trailing 67-76.

Danny Scott opened the fourth quarter scoring, and with seven Wicker points and a dunk from Lloyd, Burnell's team narrowed the gap to 80-83 by the midway point in the period.

An "and-one" from Quashie saw the gap cut to two, but a pair of missed free-throws from Scott and four straight points from Ataha helped the hosts'
stretch the lead to nine with 70 seconds left, leaving the Leopards will no way back as they suffered their first loss of the season.

Leopards: S Wicker (29), H Herrin (22), M Quashie (11), D Scott (8), R Lloyd (8), B Gooch (5), B Moore (4)

Manchester Magic: 77 Teesside Mohawks: 74

The Magic had only ever beaten the Mohawks once and that was in the away leg of a play-off tie. Never at home. Both squads were new and unknown quantities, so everyone at the Amaechi Basketball Centre was really looking forward to this Trophy game. They were not to be disappointed. Both sides started strongly and the Magic moved smoothly to a lead at the end of the quarter.Their new American guard, Terrell Ivory, quickly got into his game and brought out the best in his young teammates. John Shaw started well and Ben Eaves immediately showed the form the home fans knew he was capable of. A lead of 23-15 for the Magic was looking good going into the second quarter and by half-time the fans were looking and sounding happy as their team went off in front by 49-35.

Observers with memories knew that Mohawks coach Tony Hanson is a master of the endgame, his teams winning many games in the last few minutes and it almost worked for him again. The Mohawks cut the Magic lead to 6 points by the end of the third quarter, thanks in part to some superb 3 pointers from Corey Jackson. They increased in confidence and played strong defence and the Magic lost their poise somewhat. They were kept in the game by Ivory’s excellent shooting from the line and their obvious enthusiasm for the job of winning.

The last quarter was a nail-biting affair, with the Mohawks using all their skill and athleticism to draw level with a few seconds to go. Then Matt Hogarth, who had worked hard all game without overworking the scorer, came to the line and shot one of two to make the score 76-74.

The Magic regained possession and at 7 seconds to go, Aaron Roberts, the young Australian, scored one of his free throws to secure the win. It was a fitting end, since he had, along with Ben Eaves, been the unexpected star of his team. All had played well, but Coach Jeff Jones will be stressing the need to keep a big lead when you get one. No one will be writing off the Mohawks yet. Far from it, as they are an athletic and talented squad who will rapidly make a big impact in this Division, in the Teesside tradition .

Top Scorers:

Magic. Terrell Ivory: 28 Ben Eaves: 13 Aaron Roberts: 10

Mohawks: Corey Jackson: 24 Harold Panzo: 13 Ibrahima Ndoye: 10

19/09/04

SOLENT STARS 76 (15, 33, 56)

18/09/04

SHEFFIELD ARROWS 71 - 78 MANCHESTER MAGIC

The opening fixture of the season saw the Magic drawn against the Arrows in a National Trophy pool game at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. This young Manchester side soon opened up a ten-point lead but the experienced Arrows players closed the gap to six points at the end of the first quarter.

An opening burst of eight unanswered points from the Arrows took them past the Magic and they maintained this momentum and increased their lead to seven points 43 – 36 at the interval.

The third quarter was evenly matched, but was again shaded by the Arrows, who further increased their lead to nine points at the end of the third.

It was a completely different Magic side that took the court for the final quarter, as they completely overran the Arrows with an opening 18 – 4 burst that carried them into the lead. Dominating the boards, they forced the Arrows’ big men outside, where they had to resort to shots from behind the arc. This put the Magic in control of the situation and they ran out comfortable winners.

Top Three Scorers

Saturday, the 25^th Sept. sees the first home game of the season for the Magic and the fans will be eager to see if this new young team can make an impact in the tough Division 1 of the English Basketball League. The will be trying for their first ever home win over the powerful Teesside Mohawks in another Trophy game. Tip-off at the Amaechi Basketball Centre is at 7.30 p.m. and all are welcome. On Sunday they take on arch-rivals Liverpool in a Cup game. Tip-off is at 6.00 p.m.

London United started their Trophy campaign on the road to Essex and Herts Leopards on Saturday at the Brentwood Centre. It was hailed as the Leopards comeback game, which served to pump up the home team and bring in the crowds.

United, with all their new recruits on display never really got going as apposed to the Leopards who came out firing and playing tenacious defence.

Right from the get-go Leopards were on top, taking a 28-16 advantage into the 2^nd quarter. Hayden Herrin controlled the point well for Leopards as London’s offence continually broke down due to bad turnovers. It seems as if the United team may need time to gel together due to the amount of new recruits they have even though they have promised much in pre-season.

Peter Van Elswyk brought United back into the game by the half time whistle as he scored consistently going to the hoop although Leopards maintained the lead at 43-37.

The game reached its crucial point at the beginning of the second half as neither team could score for the first few plays until United turned up the heat on defence and brought the game back to a 2 point deficit as Steve Vear hit his first 3 pointer of the game, and then United slipped back into making some poor pass selections and lost the impetus as Leopards were allowed to respond with lay-ups.

United didn’t look like they were able to get back into the game, even though they displayed so much talent on the floor as the harder working Leopards set an example of why “wanting to win” can get you results.

The game closed out with Leopards winning 86-72 with United now facing a 2 week lay off until they play the first home match against the Leopards at Brunel University on the 3^rd October tip off at 4pm.

Essex & Herts Leopards 86 (28, 43, 69)
London United 72 (16, 37, 57)
LEOPARDS made the perfect start to their EBL season as they hammered much-fancied London United at Brentwood, on Saturday.

The newly formed club went into the game as underdogs, but a superb team performance saw them lead from tip to buzzer as they picked up a morale boosting victory in the EBL Trophy pool four.

American guards Hayden Herrin and Corey "Scoop" Wicker led the Big Cats with 29 and 26 point respectively to leave Leopards' coach Jon Burnell delighted with the victory: "I thought the three big guys, Mark Quashie, Danny Scott and Roger Lloyd, did a really good job" he said.

"They were playing against some big players, but they battled and challenged for every board, and that made a real difference. We started really strongly defensively with Brian Moore and Hayden Herrin playing some really good defence. Our defence got progressively worse as the game went on, mainly due to tiredness, but to come out of a game against a side of the quality of London United, with a win, was a great start for us. We played some pretty decent basketball from start to finish."

Fittingly, it was Brian Moore, arguably the most popular English player ever to pull on a vest for the old London Leopards, who scored the first competitive points for the new club when he drained a three from the top of the key after a steal from another former London Leopard Mark Quashie. The teams exchanged baskets, with Leopards leading 16-14 with 3:44 of the first period remaining and all of the Big Cats starting five on the scoreboard.

Leopards then closed out the first period with a 12-2 run, launched by a Herrin three, which effectively set them up for the rest of the game as they reached the first break with a 12 point lead.

Another Herrin trey saw Leopards extend that lead at the start of the second period, but generally the Big Cats found things tough going in the lead up to half-time as United's tough defence saw them struggle against the shot-clock, and despite eight points from Wicker, a long three from the impressive Steve Vear saw United cut the half-time to 43-37.

The third period proved to be a pivotal one for the home side, as they closed down current international point guard Junior Williams, a summer transfer target for Leopards. Williams was held scoreless in the period, while Herrin poured in eight points, including an "alley-oop" from Wicker, as Leopards doubled their advantage to lead 69-57 at the final break.

Three-from-three foul shooting from Herrin following a Williams foul kept Leopards' double-digit lead intact, and four points from Roger Lloyd plus a long three from Wicker saw the Big Cats' lead reach an unassailable 20 points with 4:12 remaining.

Four points from Vear and a two from former London Towers' centre Peter Van Elswyk saw the visitors go on a 6-0 run, but Wicker calmed the nerves with a trey as the Big Cats wrapped up victory and sent an encouragingly large Brentwood crowd home happy.

United crash out of Semi-Finals to Thunder

18/09/04

SHEFFIELD ARROWS 71 - 78 MANCHESTER MAGIC

Top Three Scorers